Two City students have been selected for the Deloitte Scholarship Programme. This is Juliana's story...
"When I first heard of a GAP year in Year 10, I was instantly drawn to the idea. However, my parents had never wanted me to take a year off, and it seemed it might remain an unfulfilled wish. About a year ago, Deloitte came to speak at City about their gap year program. It was the perfect solution as scheme gives you 30 weeks paid work, travelling grants and £1,500 per year at university. Additionally, you are welcome to work during your university holidays at the same pro-rata wage. You have a choice of applying for consultancy, tax or audit. I chose the latter, as the work is varied and it contributes toward the ACA. However, the application process was quite gruelling. After filling out the same questions for both PWC and Deloitte, I had to do a number of psychometric tests, then a first interview and final assessment day; the latter included an email tray test, more interviews and a teamwork project.
“I am delighted to inform you that we are offering you a place to join us as a Deloitte Scholar” is one of the most beautiful sentences! I must say I have been very lucky this year, as just 3 weeks before that I had been offered a place at Hertford College Oxford to read Geography! Everything seems to be working out. My parents are incredibly proud and more than happy for me to do a gap year, though still not convinced of my plans for it! After I finish at Deloitte in March, I will be setting off around Africa, Asia and South America, staying at primary schools in a number of cities, volunteering and making a ‘video-diary’ type documentary about education opportunities in the 3 As!
My final stop will be in Cali, Colombia - my hometown where I am aiming to set up a small primary school for street kids. One thing I always wanted to do whilst at City was to volunteer at schools abroad, but they always required you to be over 18. So, if all goes to plan, I hope girls from City can come in their summer holidays and teach English at my school in the coming years, and get to know one of the most vibrant countries in the world with a fellow City girl."
Juliana, Year 13